On Sunday afternoon I went for a little photowalk. I went up to the Cameron Offices, once a shining example of 1970's Brutalist architecture and future vision … half has been demolished and the other half transformed into student accommodation … still, amongst the concrete there is a semblance of the vision of the architects and designers … in between concrete angularity and rigidity there flow streams and reflective ponds, stark white lift wells and sculpture. Optical Galaxy by Canadian sculptor Gerald Gladstone (1923-2005) particularly caught my eye …
"Commissioned for Cameron Offices as part of the Town Square located opposite Mall 9. It was created by the Canadian sculptor, Gerald Gladstone who was striving to express humanity's concern with its position in intergalactic space. The sculpture comprises eleven truncated fins each standing 7 metres high that are curved to represent the form of the sine waves used in measuring light waves. On top of each fin is a Lucite block in which is suspended a sculpture of welded steel road to represent the swirls of planets in the galaxy. A specially designed water cannon emits a cascade of water over the work." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Gladstone)
The piece has been moved from its original location opposite Mall 9 and now stands somewhat external to the main complex and easily accessible although it lacks any form of descriptive plaque or insightful inscription … I would love to see it in action with its custom water cannon but sadly I think it may be defunct.
What about you? where was your last photowalk? Did you take any pictures? Sometime I go on a photowalk and leave the camera in my bag the entire time π
ps … thanks to everyone who let me know just how much the gallery option didn't work for them … we're back to inline images again π
They are all splendid. You captured the delicacies and intricacies with your usual flare (and that’s in a good way). Architectural design and features are dear to my sensibilities. Truly, this is a gorgeous set of images.
Thanks Sally π
I love going on an explore and discovering something new … I’ drive by these buildings at least once a week and have always wanted to go and see them up close … I found stuff!
Impressive structures!
My last photowalk was a visit to Lisbon’s old water supply system. Photos soon π
Thanks! I look forward to seeing those!
Wow, Geoff. I love these images and the perspectives you chose to shoot them from. I especially love that first image and the reflection shot. You have an amazing eye. My photography has been lacking the past few months in part due to the weather and in part to trying to walk two dogs . . . don’t have enough hands. Hoping that with Spring’s arrival I’ll be able to get out more and photograph nature and wildlife (my perferred subjects).
Thank you Kathryn π
The reflection shot is one of my faves from the set too … I love the rigidity rerflected in the organic. Ahhh … springtime for you … feel that warmth on your skin … sprout those extra hands π
Some of my family worked in Cameron Offices – and the tales they told of leaks and flooding…. I hope that they have now been fixed. And I am certain that they never looked at the buildings as you have here. From simple utility (amost utility) you have captured beauty. Thank you.
I plan a photo walk through my neighbourhood this weekend to capture autumnal colour which is suddenly starting to blaze.
Hey Sue π
I remember the stories of how it leaked with it’s innovative and modern flat roof … one of the atrium is still left as a garden … lots of native birds and the like … apparently there were supposed to be shops and restaurants on the ground floor. That Autumn is really beginning to shine … have to go out and get some colour myself!
Now, look at you going out for a walk π
I really like the first picture with the trail of clouds coming out of the galaxy’s steely swirl. Also very nice is the one with the reflection in the puddle and the black and white one of the aisle above the pictures that shows you in the mirror, pretty cool combination of light and dark. Interesting that you put the one with the white elevator doors in the middle, it stands out and blends in at the same time and even though it’s different from the others, I kinda like the clean look of it. All in all a nice walk I’d say.
I was out by the sea and also walking along the river in my hometown lately, with the camera in my hand but also distracted by my mom waiting impatiently to continue. So not really much of a photo walk but a good time nevertheless. In less than two weeks I’ll be traveling down south again, to Basel and Zurich, let’s see how that goes π
I know! So brave! LOL π
Thanks and I look forward to your pictures of Basel and Zurich π
I absolutely love the first set of images although all are impacting.
Thanks π
Lots of geometry in these images, Geoff! I really like the way you see things. We just returned from our European river cruise…the photowalk of a lifetime!!! Little by little I hope to give you glimpses of it.
Thanks Ginnie … glad to hear you made it back safe and I look forward to catching a glimpse of the cool stuff you saw π
oh, these are fab. just my kind of architecture! no photo walks here. it’s just too damn cold and above all too damn windy. I’m constantly fighting tears or cleaning my nose or am desperately trying to keep my fingers from falling off… one day… xxx
Cheers Petra π
See, if you’d bothered to bring your oculus with you on your travels (instead of leaving it in Singapore!) than you’d have a whole new subject to shoot like everyday! π
XX
the pictures are great, i love the perspective of the first three pics. and the one containing this incredibly fascinating reflection! you seem like having the eye for architecture π
Thanks Paleica π
I like pretty much any architecture that tries to say something. As Nigel commented a bit later on, the Brutalist style is ‘strong and unafraid’ … I’d not directly thought of it that way but I think he’s right. The reflection was cool … I looked at it for a long time … well, it seemed like a long time π
Really enjoyed these shots, partly because I like the Cameron Offices, but, in contrast, I’m not a fan of the Belconnen area, mostly because I live in the country and love ‘old stuff’. But I also love Brutalist architecture, because it’s so strong and unafraid. And in my humble view I reckon you’ve captured all this really well. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Nigel … welcome to Pictures with Words π
I’ve never particularly liked the Belconnen area … I think it’s softening as the trees grow up around it. I lived in Giralang when it was brand new and I disitnctly remember driving home from school past Kaleen one dark and cold winter afternoon and seeing the light of the first house.
I like your description of the Brutalist architecture as strong and unafraid … I’d not thought of it that way but I believe you are quite right and it is one of the reasons I like it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stunning photos! You are really a great photographer!
Beautiful, as always, Geoffroi.
Thanks algea π
Beautiful architecture, very graphic and artistic, beautiful photos.
Excellent photographic work, I love it !
Thank you Olivier π
βOptical Galaxy and then some … a trip to Cameron Offices
sorry I'd missed this post, the pictures are incredible!! My favorite ones are the first ones, the slabs draw a C against the sky, fantastic !
I think you’d love this place Elena π